Rancho Santa Margarita Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
City Manager Receives Salary Increase Based on Performance Evaluation
The City Council ratified and implemented a resolution approving changes to the annual base salary of the City Manager, Jennifer Cervantes, following her annual performance evaluation. Effective July 1, 2026, her annual base salary increased by $33,920.70, from $308,126.70 to $342,047.40. Council members expressed strong support, citing her long tenure, experience, leadership, and positive impact on staff retention and the city's stability and financial stewardship. The fiscal impact of this salary increase is $33,920.70 annually. The motion to approve the staff recommendation passed unanimously.
Pavement Rehabilitation Projects Yield Significant Savings; Wildfire Preparedness Video Available
Councilmember Baird recognized the exceptional work on the Los Lisos Pavement Rehabilitation Project and the Santa Margarita Parkway Pavement Rehabilitation Project, highlighting significant cost savings. The Los Lisos project saved over $300,000 due to no contingency expenditures and reduced construction management/inspection costs by sharing an inspector. The Santa Margarita Parkway project also realized approximately $300,000 in savings due to no contingency fees and lower material testing/inspection costs from an expedited paving schedule. These savings are attributed to excellent planning, oversight, and fiscal stewardship by the Capital Improvement Projects team, specifically mentioning Joe Parko. Additionally, Councilmember Baird reflected on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing core American principles and wishing everyone a safe July 4th. Laura Lopez was thanked for recording a wildfire preparedness event video which is now available on the website, along with presentations by Chief Mall and Chief Chapel.
City Council Approves Annual Employee Compensation and Benefits Adjustments
The City Council reviewed and approved a proposed resolution to establish classes of regular employment, salary ranges, and benefits for city employees, including adjustments to salary ranges and an increase in the cafeteria plan allowance. This is an annual item that aligns with the budget process, involving a compensation study to compare salaries with eight other comparable cities. The resolution also rescinds a previous resolution, number 26-02-11-01. Salary range adjustments are based on distance from the average top step in comparable cities, and merit-based pay increases are separate. The cafeteria plan increase is intended to offset anticipated rises in medical insurance premiums, with a statewide weighted increase of approximately 4.98% expected for medical plans. The resolution also includes reporting requirements for executive management positions under government code section 3511.1D.
RSM Cares Receives $22,980 Community Block Grant for Food Assistance
Sherry Lex, president of RSM Cares, thanked the City Council for approving a community block grant of $22,980. This grant is the seventh received by RSM Cares and will be used to provide vital protein to community members in need. Lex explained that RSM Cares provides chicken purchased at their pantry, spending over $60,000 annually on this item alone, making the grant a significant contribution to their budget. She clarified that the pantry serves hardworking families, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, single parents, and neighbors facing hardships, not homeless individuals. The organization is 100% volunteer-run, with all donations going directly to help neighbors. RSM Cares served over 26,000 individuals annually in the past two years and relies on donations of non-perishables, food, diapers, and pet food. Lex also mentioned upcoming events and initiatives, including a backpack distribution on August 5th, a food drive on August 1st, and a matching donation campaign from Albertson's Corporation from July 1st to July 7th for up to $5,000.
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